Halloween

Halloween Safety Tips

October 25, 2023

Spooky season has arrived, and Halloween will be here before you know it! Remember to Scare Safe this year and, most importantly, have fun! Here’s a list of events and programs in Lexington for Halloween. Trick-or-treating in Lexington/Fayette County will take place on Tuesday, October 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The National Safety Council compiled a list of costume tips to keep excited trick-or-treaters safe.

All costumes, wigs, and accessories should be fire-resistant
If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags or give them glow sticks
Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has excellent tips for drivers on Halloween.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Be alert for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Slow down and continue to scan the road in areas where they are likely to be or where sight distances are limited.
On Halloween, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in places where they are not expected. Slower speeds save lives.
Stay alert for pedestrians who may come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Stop and wait for them to pass.
Don’t look at your phone when you’re driving. Your attention needs to always be on the road.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Walk on a sidewalk if one is available and use crosswalks.
Before the Halloween festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.

Tips for Party Hosts

Be a responsible party host and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
Serve plenty of food and provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
Prepare to call taxis rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or – if you’re sober – drive guests home yourself.

The FDA provides insight into the safety of Halloween treats.

Before trick-or-treating, remember these tips:

Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
Eat a snack before heading out to avoid the temptation of nibbling on a treat before it has been inspected.
Check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present in case of a food allergy. Tell children not to accept — or eat — anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.
Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Scare Safe This Halloween